Shell's Sentiments

Icy Strait is the “wild” Alaska, know for having the highest concentration of wild bears anywhere in the world. We hoped to see one while we were there. Icy Strait is the least commericalized ports we visited.  While at Icy Strait keep your eye open. Coastal brown bears make random appearances for some lucky visitors. Oryou may spot a humpback whale. 

As with all the ports, there are many excursions to choose from. With Ketchikan being the Salmon Capital of the World. Being the Salmon capital of the world, it seems fitting the main attractions highlighted are salmon and seafood. Neither thing my crew is fond of. Again like all other ports in Alsaka we were short on time, and didn’t want to go to far. We were in port for roughly 7 hours, but by the time the ship is cleared, you don’t really have that long. Plus, who wants to wake up at 6:00 am while on vacation? 

Before heading back to your private viewing area, aka balcony, swing by the restaurant or a bar for a coffee or hot chocolate. The complete journey for this route measures 30 miles. The travel time is around 4 hours. Regardless of your location on the ship, both sides will witness the passage’s beauty. Most ships open the front bow of the ship for up close veiwing. Make no mistake, the deck will be full. One more reason to have your own balcony, no crowds. Once you arrive at Dawes Glacier the captain will turn the ship 180 degrees and exit the passage. 

There are many destinations to explore while in Juneau. Finding one that is affordable is a whole other story. After hours of researching, we decided we would walk around the town and explore the port that way. In the past, those are the best excursions, I remember. Having the ability to see the town for what it really is and not the tourist side they showcase. 

Stika is located on Baranof Island. Stika is the first and oldest city in Alaska. Stories have Stika dating back roughly 10,000 years old. And was home to the first Eurpoean settlements. Stika is isolated. You can only reach Stika by plane or boat.  Although Stika is the 4th largest city in Alaska, Stika is the largest city in the United States. 

When your child shows you her art project and tell you, you are her inspiration.  Watching her discover her own voice has been interesting. Seeing this and knowing that the inner voice in her head is cheering her own instead of breaking her down has made it all worth it. Keep encouraging your babies, no matter how old they are. There is always hope to change the inner critic into an inner cheerleader.

Don't let the world put fomo in your head. It is OK to rest and just be. There will be another pretty day.Today was a great day to...Soak up some sunBreath in some fresh airGo on a hikeCatch up on yard workPlant some flowers

Oh sweet child of mine....Walking into Walmart one afternoon Darcee dragged me over to the bikes to tell me a something. Her thought process was that in the 90's when people didn't have cars they used those cute little pouches to carrying all their items in. Oh where did I go wrong with her!

The sun came out, and the day was warm. And it is OK if you didn't take advantage of it.I had every intention of spending some time outdoors. Soaking up some good Ole vitamin d and fresh air.

As the snow outside finally begins to melt, many people are excited for the return to normal life. However, this author is feeling quite the opposite. They express how they will miss the slow days, the time to relax and indulge in hobbies like puzzles, and the opportunity to cook full meals for their family. They reflect on how they didn't realize how much they were craving rest until they were forced to slow down. Now that the snow is melting, they are not ready to return to full schedules and are secretly hoping for another "weather" closure to enjoy one more day of peace. They are determined to hold on to the peace they experienced during the snowpocalypse as they navigate the journey back into the real world